I want to circle back to something you said way back in your original post, that I think is kind of the key to what we’ve been talking about:
<< ... most of the people I've interacted with seem to use the sensual touch as a means to a sexual end, and don't quite seem to grasp that the touch can be erotic and arousing for me without me wanting to do anything about it. >>
Everybody has platonic relationships. But when you start to introduce activities that are “beyond the scope” of a platonic relationship, I think that’s where you start running into difficulties. Here’s a few examples of what I mean, from the point of view of a sexual person:
Hugging = a relatively innocuous part of all close relationships Clothed back rub = might only be to sooth a sore muscle, but you never know what could happen if it goes on long enough Cuddles = close, romantic contact that will lead to more things Things where you start removing clothing (massage, body art, etc) = foreplay
For them, this is a progression towards a more sexualized relationship. For you, however, these are activities that you can enjoy with just about anyone you’re comfortable enough with, without any other expectations; even if you have no attraction toward them, or any desire for anything beyond the platonic.
<< It's like I'm operating on a different frequency that hardly anyone even knows exists, let alone knows how to recognize >> (I think you hit your own nail on the head with that one)
Re: One person’s take...
<< ... most of the people I've interacted with seem to use the sensual touch as a means to a sexual end, and don't quite seem to grasp that the touch can be erotic and arousing for me without me wanting to do anything about it. >>
Everybody has platonic relationships. But when you start to introduce activities that are “beyond the scope” of a platonic relationship, I think that’s where you start running into difficulties. Here’s a few examples of what I mean, from the point of view of a sexual person:
Hugging = a relatively innocuous part of all close relationships
Clothed back rub = might only be to sooth a sore muscle, but you never know what could happen if it goes on long enough
Cuddles = close, romantic contact that will lead to more things
Things where you start removing clothing (massage, body art, etc) = foreplay
For them, this is a progression towards a more sexualized relationship. For you, however, these are activities that you can enjoy with just about anyone you’re comfortable enough with, without any other expectations; even if you have no attraction toward them, or any desire for anything beyond the platonic.
<< It's like I'm operating on a different frequency that hardly anyone even knows exists, let alone knows how to recognize >>
(I think you hit your own nail on the head with that one)